Clear lacrosse head

ABSTRACT

The invention relates in general to lacrosse heads, and more particularly to preparation of a lacrosse head that is optically clear, but still maintains the desired stiffness and durability characteristics for optimal play.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to lacrosse heads, and moreparticularly to preparation of a lacrosse head that is optically clear,but still maintains the desired stiffness and durability characteristicsfor optimal play.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Double-walled, synthetic lacrosse heads have revolutionized the game oflacrosse. The synthetic heads impart a lightness, maneuverability, andflexibility. These performance advantages greatly enhance players'skills and have increased the speed of the game.

In combination with qualities that enhance the skill of the game, manyplayers desire unique esthetic characteristics, such as lacrosse headsthat are optically clear, or translucent. However, obtaining suchesthetic characteristics, while also maintaining the desired mechanicalcharacteristics for optical play, has not yet been achieved.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills these needs by providing lacrosse headsthat are optically clear, or translucent, but also have the desiredmechanical characteristics for optical play.

Embodiments hereof are directed to a lacrosse head comprising opposingsidewalls joined at one end by a throat, the sidewalls diverginggenerally outwardly, and the sidewalls being connected at another end bya scoop, wherein the lacrosse head comprises a nylon polymer thatexhibits greater than 60% light transmission.

In further embodiments, provided herein is a lacrosse head comprisingopposing sidewalls joined at one end by a throat, the sidewallsdiverging generally outwardly, and the sidewalls being connected atanother end by a scoop, wherein the lacrosse head comprises a polymerthat exhibits greater than 60% light transmission, and wherein thelacrosse head has a weight of about 110 g to about 150 g, a stiffness ofabout 20 lbf to about 35 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70°F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 150impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained akinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to eachimpact, or wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 100 g toabout 125 g, a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf when measured ata temperature between 70° F.-75°, and wherein the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 20 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.

In additional embodiments, provided herein is a lacrosse head comprisingopposing sidewalls joined at one end by a throat, the sidewallsdiverging generally outwardly, and the sidewalls being connected atanother end by a scoop, wherein the lacrosse head comprises a nylonpolymer that exhibits about 15% to about 50% light transmission, andwherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 100 g to about 150 g, astiffness of about 20 lbf to about 35 lbf when measured at a temperaturebetween 70° F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head can withstand morethan 150 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head hasattained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior toeach impact, or wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 100 g toabout 125 g, a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf when measured ata temperature between 70° F.-75°, and wherein the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 20 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.

Also provided herein is a lacrosse head comprising opposing sidewallsjoined at one end by a throat, the sidewalls diverging generallyoutwardly, and the sidewalls being connected at another end by a scoop,wherein the lacrosse head comprises an impact modified nylon 12 polymerthat exhibits greater than 75% light transmission, and wherein thelacrosse head has a weight of less than 150 g, a stiffness of less than30.0 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., andwherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 250 impacts prior tofailure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following description of embodiments hereof asillustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings,which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification,further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable aperson skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. Thedrawings are not to scale.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary lacrosse head according to embodiments hereof.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lacrosse head according to embodimentshereof.

FIG. 3A shows the experimental set-up and device used in an impact testin accordance with embodiments hereof.

FIG. 3B shows a lacrosse head following an impact test.

FIG. 4A shows the experimental set-up and device used to measurestiffness of a lacrosse head in accordance with embodiments hereof.

FIGS. 4B-4C show components used in the stiffness measurements describedherein.

FIGS. 5A-5C show the results of mechanical testing of a DNA lacrossehead in accordance with embodiments hereof.

FIGS. 6A-6C show the results of mechanical testing of a Mirage 2lacrosse head in accordance with embodiments hereof.

FIGS. 7A-7C show the results of mechanical testing of an Infinitylacrosse head in accordance with embodiments hereof.

FIG. 8 shows reference photographs of materials measured using a windowtint meter.

FIGS. 9A-9C show the results of mechanical testing of a polycarbonateoptically clear material in a DNA lacrosse head geometry.

FIGS. 10A-10C show the results of mechanical testing of a polycarbonateoptically clear material in an infinity lacrosse head geometry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described withreference to the figures, wherein like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements. The following detaileddescription is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limitthe invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore,there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theorypresented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary orthe following detailed description.

Embodiments hereof relate to a lacrosse head that is optically clear ortranslucent, providing a unique esthetic experience for the player, incomparison to traditional lacrosse heads that are prepared from plasticsthat do not provide any light transmission. FIG. 1 shows an exemplarylacrosse head 100 that is optically clear. As used herein, “opticallyclear” means that the material that is used to make the lacrosse headexhibits a light transmission of greater than 60%. The terms “opticallyclear,” “clear,” “optically transparent,” and “transparent” are usedinterchangeably herein. In other embodiments, a lacrosse head is“translucent.” As used herein, “translucent” means that the materialused to make the lacrosse head exhibits a light transmission of about10% to about 60%, and includes materials that contain a tint orcoloring, but otherwise allow for the specified amount of lighttransmission.

FIG. 2 shows a line drawing of lacrosse head 100, showing the locationof opposing sidewalls (202 and 204) joined at one end by a throat 206,the sidewalls diverging generally outwardly, and the sidewalls beingconnected at another end by a scoop 208. The diagram of lacrosse head100 in FIG. 2 is not meant to be limiting, and is provided to illustratethe components of the lacrosse head, but is not meant to imply anydesign or specific features of the lacrosse head, other than thosedescribed herein. The materials described herein can be utilized in anydesign or configuration of a lacrosse head.

In embodiments, provided herein is a lacrosse head comprising opposingsidewalls (202 and 204) joined at one end by a throat (206), thesidewalls diverging generally outwardly, and the sidewalls beingconnected at another end by a scoop (208), wherein the lacrosse headcomprises a polymer that exhibits greater than 60% light transmission.

Suitably, the polymer utilized in the lacrosse heads described herein isa nylon polymer. In exemplary embodiments, the nylon polymer is animpact modified nylon polymer, including an impact modified nylon 12(IMPA 12). Nylon 12 has a formula [(CH₂)₁₁C(O)NH]_(n), and is made fromω-aminolauric acid or laurolactam monomers that each have 12 carbons,and has the following structure:

“Impact modified” refers to the addition of one or more additionalpolymers or monomers, or other impact modifiers, into the nylon 12 toincrease its durability and toughness.

In exemplary embodiments, the impact modified nylon 12 is GRILAMID® TRRDS 4863 from EMS-CHEMIE (Sumter, S.C.), a thermos-plastic polyamidebased on aliphatic and cycloaliphatic blocks. Suitably the impactmodified nylon 12 is GRILAMID® TR RDS 4863 Blue L 12309.01, having thefollowing properties:

TABLE 1 Properties of GRILAMID ® TR RDS 4863 Grilamid TR Standard UnitState ROS 4863 Mechanical Properties Tensile E-Modulus 1 mm/min ISO 527MPa cond. 1400 Tensile Strength at yield 50 mm/min ISO 527 MPa cond. >50Elongation at yield 5 mm/min ISO 527 % cond. 7 Tensile Strength at break50 mm/min ISO 527 MPa cond. 50 Elongation at break 5 mm/min ISO 527 %cond. >50 Impact strength Charpy, 23° C. ISO 179/2-1eU kJ/m² cond. nobreak Srspaci strength Charpy, −30° C. ISO 179/2-1eU kJ/m² cond. nobreak Notched Impact strength Charpy, 23° C. ISO 179/2-1eA kJ/m² cond.17 Notched Impact strength Charpy, −30° C. ISO 179/2-1eA kJ/m² cond. *Thermal Properties Glass transition temperature DSC ISO 11357 ° C. dry150 Heat deflection temperature HDT/A 1.80 MPa ISO 75 ° C. dry 110 Heatdeflection temperature HDT/B 0.45 MPa ISO 75 ° C. dry 135 Maximum usagetemperature long term ISO 257

° C. dry 80-100 Maximum usage temperature short term EMS ° C. dry 120Electrical Properties Dielectric strength IEC 60243-1 KV/mm cond. 34Comparative tracking index CTI IEC 60112 — cond. 600 Specific volumeresistivity IEC 60093 Ω · m cond. 10¹¹ Specific surface resistivity IEC60093 Ω cond. 10¹² General Properties Density ISO 1183 g/cm

dry 1.00 Water absorption 23° C./sat. ISO 62 % — 3.0 Moisture absorption23° C./50% r.h. ISO 62 % — 1.5 Linear mould shrinkage long 24 h/23° C.ISO 294 % dry 1.05 Linear mould shrinkage trans. 24 h/23° C. ISO 294 %dry 1.10

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

Examples of additional suitable polymeric materials that can be used orincluded in the lacrosse heads include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene(PE), amorphous polar plastics (e.g., polycarbonate (PC)),polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene(HIPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), glycol modified polyethyleneterphthalate (PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),semicrystalline polar plastics (e.g., polyester PET and PBT), polyamide(nylon) (e.g., Nylon 6 and Nylon 6-6 (also called Nylon 6/6, Nylon 66 orNylon 6,6), amorphous nylon, urethane, polyketone, polybutyleneterephalate, acetals (e.g., DELRIN™ by DuPont), acrylic,acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), metalloceneethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) (e.g., NORDEL™ by DuPont),and composites thereof. In addition, fillers such as fiberglass, carbonfiber, mineral fill and the like can be added (for example 5-40% byweight) to create a custom polymeric composition.

As described herein, in embodiments the lacrosse head comprises apolymer, such as a nylon polymer, that exhibits greater than 50% lighttransmission. In further embodiments, the lacrosse head comprises apolymer, such as a nylon polymer, that exhibits greater than 60% lighttransmission, greater than 70% light transmission, greater than 75%light transmission, greater than 80% light transmission, greater than85% light transmission, greater than 90% light transmission, or about60% to about 90% light transmission, about 70% to about 90% lighttransmission, about 80% to about 90% light transmission, about 75% toabout 85% light transmission, or about 80% to about 85% lighttransmission.

Light transmission can be measured by any suitable method, including forexample via the use of a Window Tint Meter that measures lighttransmission from 0 to 100%. A Window Tint Meter is a hand held devicethat measures the amount of light that passes through a glass orpolymeric structure. The meter can be held up to a sample of thepolymers utilized to produce the lacrosse heads described herein and thepercent (%) light transmission read off of the meter. The followingprovides an overview of the specifications of the meter used to measurelight transmission:

TABLE 2 Window Tint Meter Specifications Parameters Display 10 mm LCDMeasurement Range 0 to 100% Light Transmission Resolution 0.1 Accuracy±2% Sample Thickness Less Than 18 mm/0.7 inch Light Source LED MeasuringMode Single/Continuous Operating conditions Temperature: 0~50° C.Humidity: <90% Power Supply 4 × 1.5 V AAA Size (UM-4) Battery DimensionsUnit: 126 × 65 × 27 mm (5.0 × 2.6 × 1.1 inch) Sensor: 125 × 38 × 38 mmWeight 100 g (Not Including Batteries) Features:

 This Window Tint Meter is a hand held device that measures the amountof light that passes through a window.

 Technology is designed in accordance with GB 2410-80, ASTM D1033-61,JIS

7105-81 and other standards.

 Digital display, wide measurement range, high resolution.

 One key calibration, easy to use.

 Solid structure, small volume, light weight, exquisite, easy to carry.

 Single/Continuous measuring mode.

 Use “USB data output” and “RS

-232 data output” no connect with PC.

 Provide “Bluetooth ™ data output” choice.

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

In embodiments, the lacrosse head has a stiffness of less than 50 lbf,when measured at a temperature of between 70° F. and 75° F.

As described herein, “stiffness” also called “compression stiffness,”refers to the force required to deflect a lacrosse head a distance of0.25 inches, when the lacrosse head is pressed in a compressive mannerwhen oriented vertically (compression is provided normal to scoop 208).See below and FIG. 4A regarding an exemplary stiffness measurement. Theforce to cause the 0.25 inch deflection varies only about over atemperature range of −15° C. to 52° C., and thus for comparisonpurposes, the stiffness of the lacrosse heads described herein aredetermined at a temperature of between about 70° F. and 75° F., suitablyat about 71° F. or 72° F.

In embodiments, the stiffness of the lacrosse heads provided herein areless than about 40.0 lbf, when measured at a temperature of between 70°F. and 75° F., more suitably less than about 35.0 lbf, or less thanabout 33 lbf, or less than about 30 lbf, or less than about 27 lbf, orless than about 25 lbf, or less than about 23 lbf, or less than about 20lbf, or less than about 10 lbf, or less than about 5 lbf, or thelacrosse heads have a stiffness of about 20 lbf to about 35 lbf, astiffness of about 31 lbf to about 35 lbf, a stiffness of about 25 lbfto about 35 lbf, a stiffness of about 25 lbf to about 30 lbf; astiffness of about 27 lbf to about 32 lbf, a stiffness of about 20 lbfto about 31 lbf, a stiffness of about 20 lbf to about 30 lbf, astiffness of about 10 lbf to about 20 lbf, a stiffness of about 15 lbfto about 20 lbf, a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf, a stiffnessof about 5 lbf to about 10 lbf, or a stiffness of about 15 lbf to about25 lbf, when measured at a temperature of between 70° F. and 75° F.

In exemplary embodiments, the lacrosse head can withstand more than 150impacts prior to failure.

As described in detail herein, an exemplary method has been developed totest the impact strength of a lacrosse head, that includes a repeatedrotation of a lacrosse head impacting a spring-loaded, steel impact armhaving a weight of about 2-4 lbs. Prior to each impact, the lacrossehead attains a kinetic energy of about 25-55 Joules, depending on theweight of the lacrosse head and variability in the speed of the impacts.That is, prior to each time the lacrosse head impacts the impact arm,the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25-55 Joules,and then impacts that impact arm, before again attaining the samekinetic energy range prior to another impact. See below and FIG. 3Aregarding the exemplary testing method.

As described herein, this impact test is designed to provide arepeatable measure of the impact strength of a lacrosse head, so thatdifferent head designs and lacrosse head compositions can be compared.The number of impacts between the lacrosse head and the steel impact armare counted. In embodiments, the lacrosse heads described herein canwithstand more than 250 impacts (that is 250 contacts between thelacrosse head and the steel impact arm), prior to failure. As usedherein “failure” refers to a visual crack or break 320 in the lacrossehead, rather than an elongation or plastic deformation 322 in thelacrosse head (see FIG. 3B).

A person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to calculate akinetic energy that the lacrosse head attains prior to an impact, usingstandard physics principles. As described herein, the method used todetermine the impact strength utilizes a rotating arm to impact the headagainst a steel impact arm, and thus rotational kinetic energycalculations are used to determine the kinetic energy the lacrosse headattains prior to each impact, of about 25-55 Joules.

In exemplary embodiments, the lacrosse heads described herein canwithstand more than 15 impacts, more than 20 impacts, more than 25impacts, more than 30 impacts, more than 35 impacts, more than 40impacts, more than 50 impacts, more than 60 impacts, more than 70impacts, more than 80 impacts, more than 90 impacts, more than 100impacts, more than 110 impacts, more than 120 impacts, more than 130impacts, more than 140 impacts, more than 150 impacts, more than 160impacts, more than 170 impacts, more than 180 impacts, more than 190impacts, more than 200 impacts, more than 210 impacts, more than 220impacts, more than 230 impacts, more than 240 impacts, more than 250impacts, more than 260 impacts, more than 270 impacts, more than 280impacts, more than 290 impacts, more than 300 impacts, more than 400impacts, more than 500 impacts, more than 600 impacts, more than 700impacts, more than 800 impacts, more than 900 impacts, more than 1,000impacts, more than 1,100 impacts, more than 1,200 impacts, more than1,300 impacts, more than 1,400 impacts, or more than 1,500 impacts priorto failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules, prior to each impact.

In embodiments of this impact test as described herein with reference toFIG. 3A, lacrosse head 100 is attached to a shaft 302, the impact armhaving a length of about 25-35 inches, suitably about 30 inches (centerof point of rotation to impact bar). Shaft 302 is configured to rotatein a circular path 304, suitably via a rotating motor 306, or similardevice.

Lacrosse head 100 is rotated in the circular path, suitably at a rate ofabout 20-25 m/s (at impact), and once during each rotation, lacrossehead 100 impacts a spring-loaded, steel impact arm 308. Suitably,spring-loaded, steel impact arm has a weight of about 2-4 lbs. Prior toeach impact against spring-loaded, steel impact arm 308, lacrosse head100 attains a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules.Following the impact, spring-loaded, steel impact arm 308, deflects outof the way, allowing lacrosse head 100 to continue on its circular pathand repeat the impact test. The lacrosse head attains the same range ofkinetic energy (about 25 to about 55 Joules) prior to each impact.

Suitably, the impact test is repeated at cycles of 10 impacts/cycle,before the test is started again. This also allows for repeatable andsimple counting of the number of impacts until the lacrosse head fails,and to inspect the lacrosse head to determine if a failure has occurred.

As described herein, suitably the lacrosse head has a weight that isless than 200 g, more suitably less than 170 g, and in embodiments, thelacrosse head has a weight that is less than 160 g, less than 150 g,less than 140 g, less than 130 g, less than 120 g, less than 110 g, orin other embodiments, the weight of the lacrosse head is between 110 gand 170 g, more suitably between 110 g and 150 g, between 110 g and 140g, between 110 g and 140 g, between 120 g and 125 g, between 120 g and150 g, between 130 g and 150 g, or between 140 g and 150 g.

In exemplary embodiments, the lacrosse head has a stiffness of about 20lbf to about 31 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75°F., a weight of about 110 g to about 130 g, and the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 150 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.

In further embodiments, the lacrosse head has a stiffness of about 5 lbfto about 20 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., aweight of about 100 g to about 125 g, and the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 20 impacts prior to failure, when the lacrosse headhas attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.

In additional embodiments, provided herein is a lacrosse head comprisingopposing sidewalls joined at one end by a throat, the sidewallsdiverging generally outwardly, and the sidewalls being connected atanother end by a scoop. Suitably, the lacrosse head comprises a polymerthat exhibits greater than 60% light transmission, and the lacrosse headhas a weight of about 110 g to about 150 g, a stiffness of about 20 lbfto about 35 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F.,and the lacrosse head can withstand more than 150 impacts prior tofailure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact, or the lacrossehead has a weight of about 100 g to about 125 g, a stiffness of about 5lbf to about 20 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75°,and wherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 20 impacts priorto failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.

In embodiments, the polymer exhibits greater than 75% lighttransmission. As described herein, suitably the polymer is an impactmodified nylon, such as impact modified nylon 12.

In suitable embodiments, the lacrosse head can withstand more than 150impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained akinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to eachimpact.

In further embodiments, the lacrosse head has a weight of about 130 g toabout 150 g, a stiffness of about 25 lbf to about 30 lbf when measuredat a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 200 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.

In still further embodiments, the lacrosse head has a weight of about100 g to about 125 g, a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf whenmeasured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and the lacrosse headcan withstand more than 30 impacts prior to failure, wherein thelacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about55 Joules prior to each impact.

In additional embodiments, a lacrosse head provided herein istranslucent, in that it exhibits a light transmission of about 10% toabout 60%, and includes materials that contain a tint or coloring, butotherwise allow for the specified amount of light transmission. Forexample, provided herein is a lacrosse head comprising opposingsidewalls joined at one end by a throat, the sidewalls diverginggenerally outwardly, and the sidewalls being connected at another end bya scoop. Suitably the lacrosse head comprises a nylon polymer thatexhibits about 15% to about 50% light transmission, and

-   -   the lacrosse head has a weight of about 100 g to about 150 g, a        stiffness of about 20 lbf to about 35 lbf when measured at a        temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and the lacrosse head can        withstand more than 150 impacts prior to failure, wherein the        lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules        to about 55 Joules prior to each impact, or    -   the lacrosse head has a weight of about 100 g to about 125 g, a        stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf when measured at a        temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and the lacrosse head can        withstand more than 20 impacts prior to failure, wherein the        lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules        to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.

In embodiments, the lacrosse heads described herein that are translucentcomprise a nylon polymer, such as an impact modified nylon, thatexhibits about 18% to about 30% light transmission, and can include atint, such as a brown, grey, black, green, blue, red, orange, or yellowtint.

In exemplary embodiments, the lacrosse head can withstand more than 200impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained akinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to eachimpact.

In further embodiments, the lacrosse head has a weight of about 130 g toabout 150 g, a stiffness of about 25 lbf to about 30 lbf when measuredat a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 150 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.

In further embodiments, the lacrosse head has a weight of about 120 g toabout 125 g, a stiffness of about 15 lbf to about 20 lbf when measuredat a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse headcan withstand more than 30 impacts prior to failure, wherein thelacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about55 Joules prior to each impact.

In still further embodiments, provided herein is a lacrosse headcomprising opposing sidewalls joined at one end by a throat, thesidewalls diverging generally outwardly, and the sidewalls beingconnected at another end by a scoop, the lacrosse head comprises animpact modified nylon 12 polymer that exhibits greater than 75% lighttransmission, and the lacrosse head has a weight of less than 150 g, astiffness of less than 30.0 lbf when measured at a temperature between70° F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 250impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained akinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to eachimpact.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Compression Stiffness

The following example describes the methods used to measure thecompression stiffness (stiffness) of a lacrosse head.

Compression stiffness determinations are used in order to understand howflexible a lacrosse head is at a variety of temperatures. The stiffnessof a lacrosse head is one of the first things lacrosse players check.Many players want a stiff head while others prefer a more flexible head.

Equipment

MTS Exceed Model E43 (see FIG. 4A)

Custom 3D Printed Attachments

-   -   Lacrosse Head Coupling (402) (see FIG. 4B)    -   Grooved Pressure Plate Attachment (404) (see FIG. 4C)

Infrared Laser Thermometer

Environment

Temperature: 22° C. (71.6° F.)

Humidity: 50% (+/−10%)

Procedure

Turn MTS on and start software.

Place lacrosse head 100 on MTS using custom coupling 402.

Select the “Head Flexibility Test” in the software.

Lower crosshead 222 on MTS until a pre-load of 0.5 lbf on lacrosse head100 is reached.

Start test, with increasing force (pounds force, lbf; perpendicular tolacrosse head 100) until a 0.25″ deflection in the lacrosse head isreached.

Continue testing head and record stiffness.

Example 2: Impact Testing

The following example describes the methods used to measure the impactdurability (or strength) of a lacrosse head. If a lacrosse head survivesa predetermined amount of cycles (generally 300 cycles) it is consideredready for play. The test also provides competitive matrices from thedata collected.

Equipment

Thor XL (custom built—see FIG. 3A)

Environment

Temperature: 22° C. (71.6° F.)

Humidity: 50% (+/−10%)

Materials And Specs

3-Phase Induction Motor (306) (IronHorse model #MTCP-001-3BD12)

Impact Arm (308) (McMaster-Carr Part #6527K364)

-   -   Steel    -   Weight—2.8 lbs. (including flange and fasteners)    -   Height—1″    -   Width—1″    -   Length—1′

Torsion Spring (308) (McMaster-Carr Part #9271K126)

TABLE 3 Torsion Spring Characteristics Spring Type Torsion Leg length 4

Defection Angle  180° Number of Colts 9 Wind Direction Right-Hand SpringLength @ 1.553

Maximum Torque OD 1.189° Maximum Torque 42.86 in.

lbs. For Shaft Diameter 0.735° Material Music-Wire Steel Wire Diameter0.135° RoHS Compliant

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

AC Drive (GS2 Series Drive Model GS2-11P0)

Frequency—50 hz (Velocity at impact is 50 mph±5 mph (22.4 m/s±2.2 m/s)

Titanium Shaft (302) to hold lacrosse head

30″ radius from center axis of motor (306) and impact arm (308).

Procedure

Place a lacrosse head on shaft and screw into place.

Turn on and release the E-stop.

Press the “10 Cycle” button.

Record the # of hits.

Continue testing and observing until the lacrosse head fails (defined asa visual crack, fracture or break (320 in FIG. 3B), not a plasticdeformation or elongation (322 in FIG. 3B)).

Stop test after head reaches the desired number of minimum impacts(suitably 100-300).

Record the number of impacts along with a pass/fail grade.

** Additional testing can go beyond the minimum number of impacts inorder to reach failure to understand the limits of different types ofheads and materials.

Results

Pass Criteria: Head survives 100 impacts (or higher, e.g., 300 impacts)without breaking for men's lacrosse head; 20 impacts or higher withoutbreaking for women's lacrosse head.

Fail Criteria: Head breaks before 100 impacts (or lower, e.g., 40impacts, 30 impacts, 20 impacts, depending on desired impact resistancefor the men's or women's game). Heads are also taken beyond 250 impactsto determine the ultimate number of impacts that can be withstood priorto failure.

Table 4 shows the calculation of the kinetic energy of the lacrosse headprior to impact between the lacrosse head and the spring-loaded, steelimpact beam. A range of linear velocities was used to provide generalranges for the kinetic energy. In addition, several different lacrossehead styles were included, with different masses, to provide a range forthe kinetic energy of the lacrosse head during the impact testing. Asindicated, the range of kinetic energies of the lacrosse head prior toeach impact is from about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules.

TABLE 4 Kinetic Energy Calculation for Impact Testing Test InstrumentCharacteristics Shaft (302 in FIG. 3A) 0.762 m Radius Linear Velocity(low) 20.11677 m/s Linear Velocity (mid) 22.35196 m/s Linear Velocity(high) 24.58716 m/s Kinetic Energy Calculations Mass Angular MomentRotational Velocity of Kinetic (rad/s) Inertia Energy (ω = (kg m²)(Joules) Lacrosse Head Mass Velocity Radius Velocity/ I = Mass* KE_(rot)= Design (kg) (m/s) (m) Radius) Radius² ½* I*ω² Rebel - O 0.139 20.1170.762 26.400 0.0807 28.126 Rebel - O 0.139 22.35196 0.762 29.333 0.080734.723 Rebel - O 0.139 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.0807 42.015 Rebel - O0.145 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.0842 29.340 Rebel - O 0.145 22.35196 0.76229.333 0.0842 36.222 Rebel - O 0.145 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.0842 43.828Rebel - O 0.156 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.0906 31.565 Rebel - O 0.15622.35196 0.762 29.333 0.0906 38.970 Rebel - O 0.156 24.58716 0.76232.267 0.0906 47.153 Rebel - O 0.159 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.0923 32.172Rebel - O 0.159 22.35196 0.762 29.333 0.0923 39.719 Rebel - O 0.15924.58716 0.762 32.267 0.0923 48.060 Rebel - O 0.156 20.117 0.762 26.4000.0906 31.565 Rebel - O 0.156 22.35196 0.762 29.333 0.0906 38.970Rebel - O 0.156 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.0906 47.153 Rebel - O 0.15320.117 0.762 26.400 0.0888 30.958 Rebel - O 0.153 22.35196 0.762 29.3330.0888 38.220 Rebel - O 0.153 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.0888 46.246 Mirage0.131 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.0761 26.507 Mirage 0.131 22.35196 0.76229.333 0.0761 32.724 Mirage 0.131 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.0761 39.597Mirage 0.147 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.0854 29.744 Mirage 0.147 22.351960.762 29.333 0.0854 36.721 Mirage 0.147 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.085444.433 Mirage 0.147 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.0854 29.744 Mirage 0.14722.35196 0.762 29.333 0.0854 36.721 Mirage 0.147 24.58716 0.762 32.2670.0854 44.433 Rebel - D 0.174 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.1010 35.208 Rebel -D 0.174 22.35196 0.762 29.333 0.1010 43.466 Rebel - D 0.174 24.587160.762 32.267 0.1010 52.594 Rebel - D 0.174 20.117 0.762 26.400 0.101035.208 Rebel - D 0.174 22.35196 0.762 29.333 0.1010 43.466 Rebel - D0.174 24.58716 0.762 32.267 0.1010 52.594

Example 3: Development and Testing of Clear and Translucent LacrosseHeads Background

Prior attempts to create clear lacrosse heads focused on using severalthermoplastics, including polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU) and amorphous polyamides. The resulting heads were not acceptablefor the following reasons:

-   -   Polycarbonate—Clear, but with resulting head exhibiting low        durability, heavy and very stiff    -   TPU—Cloudy appearance with resulting head exhibiting very low        durability and high flexibility.    -   Amorphous Polyamide—Clear with very yellow tint, resulting head        exhibiting low durability, high stiffness and difficult to        process.

The issues to overcome, included balancing minimum durabilityrequirements versus optical clarity. However, an increase in impactmodifier to boost durability, can have a detrimental effect on opticalclarity and stiffness.

Impact Modified Nylon

A transition to impact modified nylon resulted in the desired opticalclarity characteristics, while also achieving the needed materialcharacteristics for optimal playability.

Manufacturing of the lacrosse heads with the impact modified nylonutilized “packing out” (pushing more plastic into the part) to themaximum extent possible, to optimize the desired mechanicalcharacteristics. Parts that are more packed are heavy, which is oftennot desired, and can cause flash (sharp plastic) on the part surface. Itcan also be very hard on the injection molding press. Packing of theparts to the maximum extent possible, well beyond the calculated weight,was carried out. The increased pack out pressure acts to increase thestrength of knit lines. Knit lines are created when plastic flows aroundgeometric features in parts. Knit line strength is very critical todurability.

As shown in the Table 5 below, the clear lacrosse head part weightswere >4-7% heavier than the calculated weight (due to packing out), andachieved the durability desired for play. This extra pack out minimizesthe benefits of the lower specific gravity of the impact modified nylonmaterial in exchange for durability. It was surprising and unexpectedthat use of packing out resulted in the desired playabilitycharacteristics, while still maintaining a manageable weight and theoptical clarity of the lacrosse head.

TABLE 5 Calculated weight versus Actual weights of Impact Modified Nylon(IMN) Impact IMN % diff. in modified Weight IMN Lacrosse Material nylon% (calc. IMN weight Head Production Specific Production specificdifference by % Weight (Actual Geometry Material Gravity Weight (g)gravity in S.G. diff.) (Actual) vs Calc.) DNA PolySource 1.24 170.7 g1.00 80.65% 137.67 g 146.5 g 106.41% Integra 9060 (Polyketone) Mirage 2RTP 200H 1.08 141.5 g 1.00 92.59% 131.01 g   140 g 106.86% (Impactmodified Nylon 6) Infinity RTP 200H 1.08 128.1 g 1.00 92.59% 118.61 g123.5 g 104.12% (Impact modified Nylon 6)

Performance Results DNA Lacrosse Head Geometry

DNA lacrosse head geometry trials utilizing the impact modified nylondemonstrated the desired mechanical characteristics for a playablelacrosse head. See FIGS. 5A-5C. As shown, without packing out thelacrosse head with the impact modified nylon (see DNA Head), thelacrosse head had a weight of about 140 g, and a stiffness of about 26lbf at 72° F., but failed the impact test, breaking at the back strutafter 240 impacts. Packing out the lacrosse head with the impactmodified nylon (see DNA Diamond) resulted in a lacrosse head that wasable to withstand an acceptable 290 hits without breaking, and have aweight of about 146.5 g, and a stiffness of between 27-29 lbf.

Mirage 2 Lacrosse Head Geometry

Mirage 2 lacrosse head geometry trials utilizing the impact modifiednylon demonstrated the desired mechanical characteristics for a playablelacrosse head. See FIGS. 6A-6C. Packing out the lacrosse head with theimpact modified nylon resulted in a lacrosse head that was able towithstand an acceptable 240 hits without breaking, and have a weight ofabout 140.9 g, and a stiffness of about 27.6 lbf.

Infinity Lacrosse Head Geometry

Infinity lacrosse head geometry trials (a lacrosse head for use inwomen's lacrosse) comprising the impact modified nylon demonstrated thedesired mechanical characteristics for a playable lacrosse head. SeeFIGS. 7A-7C. Packing out the lacrosse head with the impact modifiednylon resulted in a lacrosse head that was able to withstand anacceptable 25 hits without breaking, and have a weight of about 124.1 g,and a stiffness of about 16.2 lbf at 72° F.

Optical Clarity Results

In order to determine the level of light transmission, a Window TintMeter which measures between 0% to 100% light transmission was utilized.Device specifications are provided above.

Utilizing this device, light transmission measurements were made throughseveral plastic samples, including a device calibration plate (providedwith unit) and clear glass. The light transmission of each material isnoted in Table 6. A side by side reference photograph of the materialsis provided in FIG. 8.

TABLE 6 Light Transmission Measurements Material Light Transmission (%)Glass 95.6 Resmart Ultra PC 84.9 Grilamid TR RDS 4863 81.3 CalibrationPlate 18.6 TPU 17.2

As indicated, the impact modified nylon product GRILAMID® TR RDS 4863,demonstrated a light transmission of about 81.3%.

Performance of Other Optically Clear Materials

Resmart Ultra PC, a polycarbonate material, was molded into the DNAgeometry. The DNA Ultra PC provides a comparison for clarity anddurability versus the DNA Diamond (GRILAMID® TR RDS 4863). The resultsof the DNA Ultra PC (polycarbonate) are provided in FIGS. 9A-9C. Asindicated, while the polycarbonate version of the DNA exhibits higherlight transmission, the playability characteristics are lower than theDNA Diamond. The weight of the DNA head using the polycarbonate materialwas significantly higher (about 169 g) than the impact modified nylon,an undesirable characteristic. In addition, the polycarbonate materialresulted in a much higher stiffness (41.7 lbf), and was only able towithstand 50 impact hits prior to failure. These characteristics are notacceptable for a lacrosse head for use in men's lacrosse. See FIGS.5A-5C for mechanical characteristics of the DNA Diamond head comprisingimpact modified nylon.

The Ultra PC polycarbonate material was also used to prepare an Infinitylacrosse head, to explore its characteristics as a lacrosse head for usein women's lacrosse. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, while the lacrosse headdid have a higher light transmission, it had significantly greaterweight (147.9 g), much higher stiffness (27 lbf), and failed after lessthan 10 impacts (very low durability). All of these characteristics arenot optimal for use in a head for women's lacrosse, in contrast to thecharacteristics observed with the impact modified nylon of the Diamondlacrosse head (see FIGS. 7A-7C)

In summary, these results demonstrate the surprising and unexpectedmechanical properties of the optically clear lacrosse heads describedherein.

The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. Itwill also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussedherein, and of each reference cited herein, can be used in combinationwith the features of any other embodiment. All patents and publicationsdiscussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lacrosse head comprising: opposing sidewallsjoined at one end by a throat, the sidewalls diverging generallyoutwardly, and the sidewall being connected at another end by a scoop,wherein the lacrosse head comprises a nylon polymer that exhibitsgreater than 60% light transmission.
 2. The lacrosse head of claim 1,wherein the nylon polymer is an impact modified nylon.
 3. The lacrossehead of claim 1, having a stiffness of less than 35.0 lbf when measuredat a temperature between 70° F.-75° F.
 4. The lacrosse head of claim 1,wherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 250 impacts prior tofailure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.
 5. The lacrossehead of claim 1, wherein the nylon polymer exhibits greater than 75%light transmission.
 6. The lacrosse head of claim 1, having a weight ofless than 170 g.
 7. The lacrosse head of claim 1, having a stiffness ofabout 20 lbf to about 31 lbf when measured at a temperature between70T-75″F, a weight of about 110 g to about 130 g, and wherein thelacrosse head can withstand more than 150 impacts prior to failure,wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.
 8. The lacrosse head ofclaim 1, having a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf when measuredat a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., a weight of about 100 g to about125 g, and wherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 20 impactsprior to failure, when the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energyof about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.
 9. Alacrosse head comprising: opposing sidewalls joined at one end by athroat, the sidewall diverging generally outwardly, and the sidewallsbeing connected at another end by a scoop, wherein the lacrosse headcomprises a polymer that exhibits greater than 60% light transmission,and wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 110 g to about 150g, a stiffness of about 20 lbf to about 35 lbf When measured at atemperature between 70° F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head canwithstand more than L50 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact, or wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about100 g to about 125 g, a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf whenmeasured at a temperature between 70° F.-75°, and wherein the lacrossehead can withstand more than 20 impacts prior to failure, wherein thelacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about55 Joules prior to each impact.
 10. The lacrosse head of claim 9,wherein the polymer exhibits greater than 75% light transmission. 11.The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein the lacrosse head can withstandmore than 200 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head hasattained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 joules prior toeach impact.
 12. The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein the polymer is animpact modified nylon.
 13. The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein thelacrosse head has a weight of about 130 g to about 150 g, a stiffness ofabout 25 lbf to about 30 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70°F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 200impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained akinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to eachimpact.
 14. The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein the lacrosse head hasa weight of about 100 g to about 125 g, a stiffness of about 5 lbf toabout 20 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., andwherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 30 impacts prior tofailure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.
 15. A lacrossehead comprising: opposing sidewalls joined at one end by a throat, thesidewalls diverging generally outwardly, and the sidewall beingconnected at another end by a scoop, wherein the lacrosse head comprisesa nylon polymer that exhibits about 15% to about 50% light transmission,and wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 100 g to about 150g, a stiffness of about 20 lbf to about 35 lbf when measured at atemperature between 70° F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 150 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact, or wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about100 g to about 125 g, a stiffness of about 5 lbf to about 20 lbf whenmeasured at a temperature between 70° F.-75°, and wherein the lacrossehead can withstand more than 20 impacts prior to failure, wherein thelacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about55 Joules prior to each impact.
 16. The lacrosse head of claim 15,wherein the nylon polymer exhibits about 18% to about 30% lighttransmission.
 17. The lacrosse head of claim 15, wherein the lacrossehead can withstand more than 200 impacts prior to failure, wherein thelacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about55 Joules prior to each impact.
 18. The lacrosse head of claim 15,wherein the nylon polymer is an impact modified nylon.
 19. The lacrossehead of claim 15, Wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 130 gto about 150 g, a stiffness of about 25 lbf to about 30 lbf whenmeasured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., and wherein thelacrosse head can withstand more than 200 impacts prior to failure,wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy of about 25Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.
 20. The lacrosse head ofclaim 15 wherein the lacrosse head has a weight of about 120 g to about125 g, a stiffness of about 15 lbf to about 20 lbf when measured at atemperature between 70° F.-75° F., and wherein the lacrosse head canwithstand more than 30 impacts prior to failure, wherein the lacrossehead has attained a kinetic energy of about 25 Joules to about 55 Joulesprior to each impact.
 21. A lacrosse head comprising: opposing sidewallsjoined at one end by a throat, the sidewalls diverging generallyoutwardly, and the sidewalls being connected at another end by a scoop,wherein the lacrosse head comprises an impact modified nylon 12 polymerthat exhibits greater than 75% light transmission, and wherein thelacrosse head has a weight of less than 150 g, a stiffness of less than30.0 lbf when measured at a temperature between 70° F.-75° F., andwherein the lacrosse head can withstand more than 150 impacts prior tofailure, wherein the lacrosse head has attained a kinetic energy ofabout 25 Joules to about 55 Joules prior to each impact.